An experienced engineer with a diverse background that includes technical leadership, electrical system integration, circuit design, product test leader, manufacturing support, test equipment support, and investigation of fielded hardware failures. Design experienced in digital and analog circuits with a recent emphasis on digital design. Design experience ranges from designing rapid prototype hardware up through fully qualified military and space flight hardware. This experience and background has led to a strong understanding of system level use and requirements. Viewed as a strong technical leader with the ability to lead and work well with others to develop and meet requirements, schedules, and budgets. Have the ability to work simultaneous tasks in an expedient and professional manner.

Mr. Willems, now retired, is one of 12 engineers in Exelis’ Geospacial Division to be recognized as a Technical Fellow out of over 400 engineers as he has both contributed to knowledge and is a recognized expert internal and external to Exelis.System Engineering and technical management for large microwave systems and other systems such as GPS and OCX (GPS Ground Control)Microwave and RF System Design and TestMicrowave Component Design and TestMonolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit Design14 patents on Microwave DevicesPublished over 2 dozen papers, on original work in Microwave and MMIC circuits

Technical Fellow

Start Date: 1981-10-01End Date: 2013-06-01

Mr. Willems has executed system engineering on many types of systems including microwave surveillance systems, space based communication systems and GPS. The GPS work included the navigation payload deployed on the satellites and leading the ITT Exelis portion of a model that represented the entire GPS system including ground control. One of his abilities is the problem resolution and trouble shooting of complex systems.Mr. Willems lead design teams that developed complex space based RF/Microwave SIGINT receivers.He has developed many innovative Microwave Monolithic Integrated Circuits (MMICs) while designing a variety of chip sets while working at the GaAs Tech division of ITT. Other microwave device design experience includes filters, couplers and amplifiers.

I am driven by an insatiable curiosity for the world in which we live. If it can be created, expanded, integrated, or networked, I can help make it a reality. To this end, I have found my professional home in the field of Systems Engineering, a multi-disciplinary field with no end of challenges. Through my experiences in the Aerospace and Defense industry, I have had the opportunities to do what I do best – rapidly develop personal expertise and leverage available resources to solve complex problems under demanding cost, schedule, and scope constraints.

High-powered and innovative System Engineer, offering extensive experience in all phases of system development life cycle, including system engineering and administration, hardware and software specifications, purchases, installations, and networking. Demonstrate proven expertise in system analysis and design, software development, and business analysis, complemented with capacity to function as technical liaison between business and technical staff.

Senior Systems Engineer

Start Date: 2006-09-01

I am the lead System Engineer for a GPS Interference Detection and Geolocation System called Signal Sentry. Signal Sentry was deployed at the Super Bowl in NJ this year as part of the security for the event. “Protecting GPS infrastructure is extremely important for public safety,” offers Mark Pisani, vice president and general manager of positioning, navigation and timing for Exelis Geospatial Systems. “During the Super Bowl, GPS devices were used to track the locations of team members en route to and within the stadium, ensuring the link between those devices and the GPS network was uninterrupted.”Signal Sentry 1000 detects and locates sources of interference with the GPS signal. Intelligence is then provided to the law enforcement community in a user-friendly interface. At the Super Bowl, Exelis employed an array of eight sensors to accurately locate jamming sources.“GPS jamming impacts a range of sectors, public and private,” says Joe Rolli, program manager for Signal Sentry 1000, explaining how the system’s utility goes well beyond sporting events. “Communications, energy, emergency services — even ATMs — all rely on the GPS network, and jamming, whether intentional or not, can cause costly disruptions.”

I am a technical professional with a record of high quality on-time performance, and a successful history of enhancing existing systems with new features and performance improvements. Skilled in all facets of the product development life cycle from analysis and design through development, implementation, documentation, specifications, requirements, production and training. My experience includes: circuit design RF and analog, prototyping, product requirements and operational testing, systems engineering and system of systems integration. Working knowledge of CAE tools including ADS, HFSS, NEC and Pspice. Passionate about antenna design, propagation theory and simulations. I hold an Amateur Radio Extra-Class license.Security Clearance: Top Secret - SSBI w/CI Polygraph.

Principal Electrical System Engineer

Start Date: 2012-02-01End Date: 2013-09-01

PRINCIPAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER 2012 - 2013I was the Lead System and Lead Technical System Engineer for the latest programmable manpack tactical radio from ITT/Exelis.• Achieved final DOD certification for tactical radio to secure $36M in sales with options for additional units.• Recognized by senior management for contributions above responsibility level and received Award of Excellence for outstanding performanceSENIOR STAFF ENGINEER 2010 - 2012I was the Lead System Engineer for SA (Situational Awareness) hardware and software ancillary devices for tactical radios. Led teams of up to 10 people in specification and operational testing. I was the Go-To person for resolving issues for the ITT/Exelis Avionics Airborne Radio integration with DOD and other customer platform integrators.• Advised Program Manager and 5 engineers on critical HMI and functionality improvements that led directly to increase sales of core products.• Commended by Program Manager for quick response and accurate information exchange with airborne customer system integrators.STAFF SYSTEMS ENGINEER 2005 - 2010My most memorable challenge was as Chief Engineer accountable for the architecture and design through validation stages of a 1GB high speed, wireless data collection system on an Army test range. I was a team member for exploration of propagation studies, and was responsible for the overall design and installation of an extensive propagation transmitting system.• Achieved the on-time, on-budget delivery of the 1GB data collection system in the face of significant project complications.SENIOR ENGINEER 2002 - 2005I was accountable for the design and modification of transmitter and receiver sections of the FAA’s MDR air traffic control (ATC) communication radios. I participated in multiple business opportunity proposals, domestic and export. Wrote LRU product requirements and specifications for JTRS ‘type’ radios and amplifiers.

I am a Program Manager responsible for resources on several multi-million dollar programs as well as IR&D. I was previously a Systems Engineer with four years of research, design, test, and integration experience. I enjoy working in a fast paced environment and providing next generation solutions to customers. My systems engineering background has given me a diversified knowledge of several engineering fields which I use to identify solutions quickly when time is of the essence. I have also had the privilege of being engaged in the full life cycle of a system from idea, to design, to test and build, and finally production.Specialties: RF Technology

Systems Engineer

Start Date: 2010-07-01End Date: 2015-05-01

• Lead Systems Engineer on a multimillion dollar research and development job. Managing resources, making technical decisions and leading a team from development through production.• Recipient of several Exelis Excellence Awards.• Conducts research and assists with development and design of directed infrared countermeasures system, free space optical communication nodes, and radio frequency electronic warfare systems.

Senior RF Engineering Technician

Start Date: 2012-01-01

Testing and troubleshooting of top level assemblies and subassemblies using a variety of equipment including Network and Spectrum Analyzers, RF Generators, Oscilloscopes and Power Meters to perform standard RF/Microwave testing and tuning processes. Currently hold an active DoD secret clearance.

I'm a recent Carnegie Mellon University Graduate with a background in Electrical and Computer Engineering. My recent responsibilities have included requirements gathering, generating performance specifications, component and system integration, through to production testing. This has led to my understanding of the full product life cycle from the start of an idea or concept through to production. In the past, I've had experience with customer service/field repairs and have run field testing on products I tested in a lab setting.

Technical Director, Air Traffic Management

Start Date: 1979-06-01End Date: 2015-06-01

Provide technical oversight to the Air Traffic Management business area. Chief Engineer, R&D Manager, Strategic Planning, New Business Acquisition, Voice of the Customer, Technical Liason to Business Development.

Director, System Development

Start Date: 2013-12-01End Date: 2015-03-01

Responsible for system development and system engineering processes for the company's product line, starting from concept development, requirement management, requirement analysis, and allocation — leading to first article integration, test, validation, and qualification. Also leads the development of technology roadmaps in support of future products and advanced systems to insure smooth transition into standard product families. Develop proposals for programs with US and Foreign Governments. This includes initial and follow-up meetings with customers to ensure proposal meets desired requirements and budget. Collaborate with engineering teams to develop best technical solution, which is within customer’s scope and budget. Ensure that foreign proposals and programs follow the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Regularly meets with customers, US Government officials within the DoD, engineering teams, partner companies, and subcontractors to stay informed of technological advances, capability gaps, and emerging threats. Makes use of this information to shape product roadmaps, strategic plans, and R&D programs in order to address future business requirements.

Staff Engineer

Start Date: 2004-04-01End Date: 2009-10-05

Technical manager for multiple programs. Was responsible for writing technical solutions for numerous proposals. Managed programs to operate within budget and schedule. Worked with engineering teams to ensure accuracy and cost effectiveness of technical designs. Communicated with customers through technical reports and documents, which describe program status, technical achievements, problems, and their proposed solutions. Designed system architecture for three ELINT/ESM systems, with 500 MHz to 2 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth. Designed digital signal processing algorithms for detection, parameterization, and identification of radar pulses and Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) signals.

Senior Manager, Advanced Technology

Start Date: 2009-10-01End Date: 2013-12-04

Was responsible for the strategic planning of technological advances and long range research and development as well as the operational oversight and management of all company R&D programs. Worked closely with Business Development, created Product Roadmaps, and worked with customers to bring to market the advanced technology and innovation that differentiated the company in the market place. Coordinated technology refresh programs with Integrated Product Team (IPT) leads to maximize use of customer funds while addressing emerging requirements. Successfully implemented product roadmaps, which culminated in increased annual order inputs from an average of $60 million to over $120 million in four years. Competed for and won $10 million in US Government R&D funding, which was aligned with the company’s strategic plan.